Mount Clemens drive-by shooting probe continues

Three men police suspect were involved in a drive-by shooting that injured two teenagers at an outdoor basketball court in Mount Clemens are due to be arraigned in court Monday on unrelated charges, according to Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham.

The incident happened about 9 p.m. Friday at Cairns Field in the area of Clemens and Court streets, but so far, police haven’t been able to determine what led up to the shooting.

“We’re not getting a good story about what started this,” Wickersham said Sunday. “We’ve heard there was an argument during a basketball game and the three people came back and started shooting. The young men who were shot say they don’t know who shot them or why.”

According to police, the two 17-year-old victims -- one from Eastpointe, the other from New Haven -- were hanging out at the park when a series of gunshots were fired from a moving vehicle. The car then sped away.

Deputies responding to the report of shots fired spotted a car leaving the area at a high rate of speed. After a brief chase, police took two people into custody. A third was apprehended after fleeing to a nearby house.

Police secured a search warrant for the house and found a 9mm handgun believed to have been used in the shooting. Detectives are awaiting forensic testing by the Michigan State Police crime lab to determine if it was the weapon involved in the drive-by attack.

The suspects include two men from Mount Clemens, ages 23 and 39, and an 18-year-old Roseville man. They were arrested on charges including resisting and obstructing, fleeing and eluding, possession of marijuana, and receiving and concealing a stolen firearm.

All three are expected to be charged Monday in 41B District Court. Additional charges from the shooting may be forthcoming.

The two teens who were shot suffered non life-threatening injuries. One was hit in the calf, the other was shot in his foot. Both were treated and released from McLaren Macomb hospital in Mount Clemens.

Cairns Field is a popular gathering spot for teens and young men in the neighborhood, but also has been the site of numerous crimes over the years, including gambling violations, assaults and robbery.

The sheriff doesn’t think Friday’s shooting was a return to the troublesome ways, but added: “We’re going to keep an eye on the area.”

Sheriff’s detectives are continuing their investigation into the drive-by shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 586-307-9358.